Portable, foldable and manually-powered exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus including a frame having first rails and second rails. First and second rails receive a first walking surface and second walking surface, respectively. The exercise apparatus includes hinge plates connecting first and second rails and include first legs. The exercise apparatus includes second legs connecting the first rails and support and place first rails at an inclination angle. The exercise apparatus includes first rollers connecting the first rails, and second roller connecting the second rails. The first rollers and second roller receive a tread belt over the first walking surface and second walking surface. User walks/runs on the tread belt causing first rollers and second roller to rotate. The second legs fold, and the hinge plates allow folding of second rails along with the second walking surface underneath the first rails and first walking surface without the first rollers coming into contact with the second roller.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention generally relates to exercise apparatuses such as treadmills. More specifically, the disclosed invention relates to a portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus including a flywheel mechanism allowing the user to perform exercise activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the United States, young people spend increasing amounts of time in settings that do not allow for healthy amounts of physical activity. The settings, such as schools, workplaces, and public spaces, often encourage people to sit in a stationary position for a long time. This has led to an increase in the prevalence of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in the United States. Physicians recommend performing exercise activities daily to lead a healthy life. Exercise activities are often categorized as aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Aerobic exercises include activities such as walking, jogging, running, cycling, or swimming for extended distances and extended time. Anaerobic exercises include activities such as weight training, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, or a series of short sprints. People prefer to perform aerobic exercises as they involve low-intensity physical exertions over a long duration of time. Further, people prefer to perform aerobic exercises as they help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and provide other benefits to the human body. Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors such as in a home or a gym. People use an exercise apparatus such as a treadmill, a bicycle, an elliptical, etc., to perform an anaerobic exercise.

A typical treadmill includes a deck supporting the weight of a user. The deck provides a tread belt. The treadmill includes a motor for operating the tread belt. The user sets the desired speed to operate the tread belt and walks or runs on the tread belt. A motorized treadmill takes up a lot of space in the home or the gym. In order to overcome the problem associated with space, foldable treadmills were developed in the past.

One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 9,352,187, entitled “Dual Deck Exercise Device” (the “'187 Patent”). The '187 Patent discloses an exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one example, an exercise device employs a first pivotable treadle assembly including a first moving surface, a first-foot platform extending outwardly from a side of the first treadle assembly, and a second pivotable treadle assembly including a second moving surface. In some implementations, the exercise device includes a resistance element operably coupled to at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly to resist movement of the at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly. In some implementations, the exercise device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a slope of at least one of the first treadle assembly or the second treadle assembly.

The '187 Patent has several disadvantages. For instance, the '187 Patent provides two separate walking surfaces, each having an individual belt. The design in '187 Patent does not feature any means of reducing the size of the exercise apparatus when not in use. Further, the exercise device is not manually operated and both walking surfaces are powered by their own motor.

Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,388, entitled “Fold-out Treadmill” (the “'388 Patent”). The '388 Patent discloses a fold-out treadmill that includes a deck having a rear portion mounted on a base so as to be selectively rotatable between an operational position in which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned proximate to the handrail. The fold-out treadmill includes a fold-out assembly configured to allow the handrail to rotate into a storage configuration when the deck is rotated from the operational position into the storage position which includes a leg and elongated support. The fold-out treadmill includes a mechanism that is configured to vary the inclination of the deck relative to a support surface while the deck is in the operational position and to automatically move the deck between the operational position to the storage position.

The '388 Patent focuses on changing the treadmill's profile for storage purposes but not for portability. The '388 Patent provides a deck driven by a motor. Having a motor prevents the treadmill to fold in half and this requires a lot of space for storing the treadmill.

Yet another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,578, entitled “Mid-Deck Hinged Foldable Treadmill Deck” (the “'578 Patent”). The '578 Patent discloses an exercise apparatus that is storable in a containment space formed by an article of furniture. The exercise apparatus may be deployed from a storage position within the containment space to a ready-to-use position. An electronic console for the exercise apparatus may be deployed to a ready-to-use position for use in conjunction with the exercise apparatus. The electronic console may be placed into a storage position when the exercise apparatus is stowed in the containment space so as not to interfere with the normal use of the article of furniture.

In the '578 Patent, the motor drives the exercise apparatus and does not allow to place the exercise apparatus at an inclined position. The exercise apparatus design allows the deck to raise and lower with respect to the ground. Folding and operation of the exercise apparatus is controlled by an electronic console mounted on the connected deck.

Other foldable treadmills fold at the front (front rollers) to obtain a vertical profile that requires less storage space. However, they retain their overall length even in their folded configuration. Further, existing foldable treadmills are bulky. As a result, a treadmill requires two or more people to move after every use and this consumes a lot of time. Further, they involve a complex mechanism to operate the treadmill and if broken down, require a qualified technician to repair the treadmill.

Therefore, there is a need for a portable and foldable exercise apparatus that is manually-powered in order to allow for more versatility in use and to decrease the overall weight.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the disclosed invention to provide an exercise apparatus that is portable, foldable, and manually-powered and avoids the drawback of known exercise apparatuses.

It is another object of the disclosed invention to provide a portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus that can be used in a variety of settings. The exercise apparatus that achieves portability through its low weight and its ability to decrease its overall length for ease of storage and transportation.

It is another object of the disclosed invention to provide an exercise apparatus having a unique folding mechanism that ensures no interference from a hinge plate connecting rails.

It is yet another object of the disclosed invention to provide an exercise apparatus having a unique flywheel design that makes use of the empty space beneath the walking surface or deck of the exercise apparatus and translates the rotational motion from the roller through a timing belt to the flywheel.

It is yet another object of the disclosed invention to provide an exercise apparatus that allows for folding of walking surfaces without coming into contact with rollers.

In order to overcome the limitations here stated, the disclosed invention provides a portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus such as a treadmill. The exercise apparatus includes a frame having a pair of first rails and a pair of second rails. The first rails and second rails receive first walking surface and second walking surface, respectively. The frame includes hinge plates on either side. Hinge plates connect the first rails and second rails. Hinge plates provide first or central legs for supporting and raising the frame at an inclination of approximately 8 to 15 degrees. Further, the frame includes second or front legs that support and raise first rails at an inclination of approximately 8 to 15 degrees (with support from first legs). Front legs present sliding support members connecting the second legs and first rails. Each sliding support member slides in the first rail upon folding the second leg.

The exercise apparatus includes first rollers at the front end of the frame and a second roller at the rear end of the frame. First rollers include a coupling member at the center. The exercise apparatus includes a flywheel underneath the first walking surface. The flywheel provides a pulley that connects to the coupling member via a timing belt. The exercise apparatus includes a tread belt placed over the first rollers and the second roller. The user walks or runs over the tread belt. The user's motion engages the tread belt, which in turn rotates first rollers. The vertical rotation of first rollers is translated to horizontal rotation of the flywheel thereby ensuring the continuous movement of the tread belt corresponding to the speed of the user's walking or running.

In one advantageous feature of the disclosed invention, the hinge plates allow the folding of the second walking surface under the first walking surface. Further, sliding support members slide in the first rails and allow folding of second legs. This results in reducing the length of the exercise apparatus by half compared to the exercise apparatus's extended (full length) configuration. The exercise apparatus fits inside small spaces and allows for safe use around people including children.

In another advantageous feature of the disclosed invention, the flywheel makes use of the empty space beneath the first walking surface and translates the rotational motion from the front rollers to the flywheel through the timing belt. This design provides a portable treadmill as it allows for the folding of the exercise apparatus without coming into contact with the rear (second) roller. The exercise apparatus allows the frame to be narrower, as the front rollers do not need to accommodate multiple small flywheels as in the prior art.

In yet another advantageous feature of the disclosed invention, the first (central) legs and second (front) legs allow the frame to be placed at an inclination of approximately 8 to 15 degrees similar to existing treadmills. The inclined and manually-powered exercise apparatus allows the user to perform spiel aerobic exercises such as walking or running on the walking surfaces (deck). The foldable frame, hinge plates, and separate flywheel made of lightweight materials having suitable strength allow the user to fold the exercise apparatus and carry it like a large suitcase when not in use.

Features and advantages of the invention hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. Notably, the FIGURES and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosed invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a user walking or running on an exercise apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a frame of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 3 illustrates a hinge plate connecting the frame;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the frame shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the exercise apparatus;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a bottom and a side skeleton views, respectively of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 7 illustrates the first rollers having a coupling member;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a flywheel;

FIG. 9 illustrates a timing belt connecting the flywheel and the coupling member;

FIG. 10 illustrates the position of the timing belt;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the exercise apparatus in an extended configuration; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of the exercise apparatus in a folded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the disclosed invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the disclosed invention describes a portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this invention.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It should be understood that the disclosed invention describes a portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a frame including first rails and second rails. First rails and second rails receive a first walking surface and a second walking surface, respectively. The exercise apparatus presents hinge plates connecting the first rails and the second rails. The hinge plates include first legs. The exercise apparatus includes second legs connecting the first rails. Second legs support and place the first rails at an inclination angle with respect to a surface such as ground. The exercise apparatus provides first rollers connecting the first rails, and a second roller connecting the second rails. The first rollers and the second roller receive a tread belt over the first walking surface and the second walking surface. The user walks or runs on the tread belt causing the first rollers and second roller to rotate. The second legs fold, and the hinge plates allow folding of the second rails along with the second walking surface underneath the first rails and the first walking surface without the first rollers coming into contact with the second roller.

Various features and embodiments of a portable, foldable, and manually operated exercise apparatus are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1 to 12.

In one embodiment, the disclosed invention discloses a portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus. FIG. 1 shows exemplary environment 10 of exercise apparatus 12 in which user 14 walks or runs on exercise apparatus 12. Exercise apparatus 12 includes, but not limited to, a treadmill used for walking, jogging, or running. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in which exercise apparatus 12 is placed at an inclination angle of 8 to 15 degrees with respect to a surface such as ground.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of frame 16 of exercise apparatus 12. Frame 16 allows placing exercise apparatus 12 at an inclined angle with respect to the surface i.e., ground. Frame 16 presents a material made of metal, plastic, or any other material. Frame 16 provides first end 18 and second end 20. First end 18 indicates a front end of frame 16. Second end 20 indicates a rear end of frame 16. Frame 16 includes rails 22 placed parallelly and apart from one another. Rails 22 presents two sets of rails i.e., a pair of first rails 24 and a pair of second rails 26. First rails 24 indicate rails placed parallelly and apart from one another at first end 18. Second rails 26 indicate rails placed parallelly and apart from one another at second end 20.

First rails 24 and second rails 26 receive first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30, respectively. First walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 indicate decks upon which user 14 walks or runs. In one example, first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 mount to first rails 24 and second rails 26, respectively using a variety of mechanisms. For example, first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 mount to first rails 24, and second rails 26 using fasteners. First walking surface 28 indicates a thick sheet made of metal or wood or any other suitable material. First walking surface 28 provides a suitable strength to support the weight of user 14 when walking or running on it. First walking surface 28 comes in a square or rectangular shape. In one example, first walking surface 28 extends over the entire length of first rails 24. In other examples, first walking surface 28 extends over a substantial length of first rails 24 as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, second walking surface 30 indicates a thick sheet made of metal or wood or any other suitable material. Second walking surface 30 provides a suitable strength to support the weight of user 14 when walking or running on it. Second walking surface 30 comes in a square or rectangular shape. In one example, second walking surface 30 extends over the entire length of second rails 26. In other examples, second walking surface 30 extends the substantial length of second rails 30 as shown in FIG. 2. A person skilled in the art appreciates that the size and shape of first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 depending on the preference of the user 14. Further, a person skilled in the art appreciates that medium-density fibreboard (MDF) may be preferred as first walking surface 28 and/or second walking surface 30 due to its high strength and low cost.

Frame 16 provides hinge plates 32 that mount to first rails 24 and second rails 26 at their respective sides. In other words, frame 16 provides two hinge plates 32, in which each hinge plate 32 connects first rail 24 and second rail 26 at each side of frame 16. Each hinge plate 32 presents a material made of metal, hard plastic or wood, or any other material. A person skilled in the art appreciates that aluminium plate becomes the preferred choice for use as a hinge plate 32. Alternatively, plywood may also become the preferred choice. Each hinge plate 32 comes in a triangular configuration in which one end mounts to first leg 34 and two ends mount to first rail 24 and second rail 26.

FIG. 3 shows hinge plate 32, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed invention. Each hinge plate 32 presents inner hinge plate 32 a and outer hinge plate 32 b that help to securely mount frame 16 (first rail 24 and second rail 26) to first leg 34. In one example, each inner hinge plate 32 a presents first support plate 36. Each first support plate 36 supports connecting inner hinge plate 32 a to first leg 34. Each hinge plate 32 presents grooves 37 to receive fasteners 38 for connecting first rail 24 and second rail 26. Further, each hinge plate 32 presents grooves 40 to receive fasteners 42 for mounting first leg 34 to hinge plate 32. Determining the location of grooves 37; 40 depends on the width of the first rails 24 and second rails 26 and width of first legs 34. Location of grooves 37; 40 ensures that no interference occurs when first rails 24 pivot over second rails 26 or vice versa with the help of hinge plate 32 (FIG. 12).

Frame 16 provides support bar 44 connecting first legs 34. Support bar 44 ensures first legs 34 provided at both sides of frame 16 are aligned. Further, support bar 44 provides stability to the frame 16. Hinge plates 32 help to mount first rails 24 and second rails 26 and ensure the first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 are in a single axis. This provides an even surface with first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 upon which tread belt 62 mounts allowing the user 14 to walk or run on it. Hinge plates 32 mount in such a way that there is a gap G (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) provided between first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 allowing them to fold over one another.

Frame 22 further provides second legs 46 at first end 18. Second legs 46 mount to first rails 24 for supporting or raising first rails 22 at an inclination angle from the ground (FIG. 4). In one example, second rails 26 and first rails 24 are raised at an inclination angle of approximately8 to 15 degrees with respect to the ground. Each second leg 46 provides two angled brackets i.e., inner bracket 48 a and outer bracket 48 b, collectively referred to as angled brackets 48. Angled brackets 48 allow second leg 46 to fold inwards of frame 16. Further, each second leg 46 provides second support plate 49 that allows mounting second leg 46, inner bracket 48 a to first rail 24. Each second leg 46 includes sliding support member 50. Sliding support member 50 connects second leg 46 and first rail 24. Each sliding support member 50 slides in the first rail 24 upon folding the second leg 46 (FIGS. 11 and 12). FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of frame 16 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows frame 16 placed at an inclined angle with support from first legs 34 at the centre and second legs 46 at the first end 18. In other words, one end of second rails 26 contact the ground and first rails 24 raise at an angle with support from first legs 34 and second legs 46.

FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of exercise apparatus 12. Exercise apparatus 12 includes first rollers 52 at first end 18. First rollers 52 present two cylindrical-like structures connected to first rails 24 with the help of first connecting rod 54. First connecting rod 54 connects to first rails 24 using first clamp 55 (FIG. 9). At the second end 20, exercise apparatus 12 includes second roller 56 supported by a second connecting rod 58. Second connecting rod 58 connects to second rails 26 with the help of a second clamp (not shown). As specified above, second rails 26 contact the ground. In order to avoid second roller 56 coming in contact with the ground, exercise apparatus 12 provides support section 60 that allows the second roller 56 to position slightly above or off the ground. In other words, support section 60 rests on the ground and allows the second roller 56 to position above the ground such that second roller 56 and/or tread belt 62 do not come in contact with the ground. Support section 60 presents a material made of metal, wood, or any other suitable material. A person skilled in the art understands that it is possible to trim second rails 26 and rest support section 60 on the ground to position exercise apparatus 12 at an inclined angle. Alternatively, person skilled in the art understands that it is possible to trim second rails 26 and add an extra layer of soft material underneath the support section 60. Here, extra layer of soft material contacts the ground and helps to reduce or avoid damage to the ground. Exercise apparatus 12 includes tread belt 62 that extends the entire length of first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 and goes over the first rollers 52 and second roller 56 (FIG. 6B).

In the current embodiment, tread belt 62 operates with the help of flywheel 68 mounted underneath the first walking surface 28. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a bottom skeleton view and a side skeleton view, respectively of frame 16 having first rollers 52 and second roller 56. First rails 24 and first walking surface 28 present sufficient thickness so as to mount flywheel 68 underneath first walking surface 28 and conceal flywheel 68 between first walking surface 28 and tread belt 62. Flywheel 68 connects to first rollers 52 via a timing belt 80. FIG. 7 depicts first rollers 52, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed invention. First rollers 52 include tapered portion 64. Tapered portion 64 narrows down the diameter of first rollers 52. First rollers 52 include coupling member 66 at the center having teeth at its circumference. As specified above, tread belt 62 operates with the help of flywheel 68 mounted underneath the first walking surface 28. FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of flywheel 68, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed invention. Flywheel 68 has a diameter of approximately 16 inches. Flywheel 68 provides clearance between it and first walking surface 28 and allows mounting timing belt 80. Flywheel 68 includes central portion 69 placed adjacent to first walking surface 28. Flywheel 68 includes a pulley i.e., circular body 70 having gear mesh 72. Pulley 70 includes one or more grooves 74 for receiving fasteners 76. The fasteners 76 allow to connect flywheel 68 to pulley 70 and first walking surface 28. In the current embodiment, flywheel 68 mounts to pulley 70 directly, and pulley 70 connects to first walking surface 28 with the help of fasteners 76 leaving sufficient clearance or gap for it operate. Additionally, flywheel 68 includes washers 78 to properly mount it to the pulley 70, and pulley 70 to first walking surface 28.

FIG. 9 shows the connection of flywheel 68 i.e., via pulley 70 and first rollers 52 with the help of a timing belt 80. Timing belt 80 includes teeth 82 configured to engage the coupling member 66 at the first rollers 52 and gear mesh 72 at the pulley 70. Timing belt 80 presents a specific configuration when connected to first rollers 52 and pulley 70 to translate the linear-rotary motion of first rollers 52 to drive the pulley 70. FIG. 10 illustrates the position of timing belt 80. Timing belt 80 connects pulley 70 to the center of the first rollers 52 (i.e., coupling member 66) and travels directly underneath flywheel 68. Exercise apparatus 12 presents rotating axle 84 that ensures (twisting) position of timing belt 80 under flywheel 68 at all times. Rotating axle 84 mounts underneath of first walking surface 28 with the help of support bracket 86 and fasteners 88 (FIG. 9). The rotating axle 84 secures timing belt 80 through it with the help of support bracket 86 such that timing belt 80 does not come in contact with flywheel 68 and/or first walking surface 28 during the operation and travels in the twisted position shown in FIG. 10. In other words, support bracket 86 and rotating axle 84 ensure that motion of timing belt 80 is constrained underneath flywheel 68 i.e., between flywheel 68 and first walking surface 28. Further, rotating axle 84 ensures tension on timing belt 80 is translated from first rollers 52 to pulley 70. Here, timing belt 80 translates the linear or vertical rotation motion of first rollers 52 (i.e., coupling member 66) to the horizontal rotation motion of pulley 70. Here, pulley 70 acts as a pinion or follower gear with respect to coupling member 66 of first rollers 52. Pulley 70 in turns rotates flywheel 68 by the central portion 69. The motion created by user's 14 walking or running on tread belt 62 continuously rotates first rollers 52 which in turn engages flywheel 68. This ensures that tread belt 62 rotates in the direction i.e., from first end 18 to second end 20 (upper side of walking surfaces) engaging the first rollers 52 relative to the user's walking or running speed. The above operation ensures that user 14 can walk or run on a manually-powered tread belt 62 without the need for a motor to operate the tread belt 62.

In the current embodiment, flywheel 68 mounts underneath first walking surface 28 such that empty space formed between first walking surface 28 and tread belt 62 encompasses flywheel 68. Flywheel 68 operates only when user 14 walks or runs on the tread belt 62. Flywheel 68 does not make noise as compared to a motor-driven treadmill, thus provides a quiet environment to operate the exercise apparatus 12.

In operation, user 14 walks or runs on tread belt 62 as shown in FIG. 1. The pressure exerted on tread belt 62 by the user's feet in the direction i.e., from first end 18 to second end 20 operates the tread belt 62. Tread belt 62 engages and rotates first rollers 52 in an anti-clockwise direction. The rotation of first rollers 52 rotates the coupling member 66 which in turn engages timing belt 80. Further, timing belt 80 translates the linear rotation of coupling member 66 into horizontal rotation of pulley 70 engaging the flywheel 68. Flywheel 68 rotates as a result and provides continuous movement of tread belt 62 over the first rollers 52 and second roller 56. Here, first rollers 52 act as drive rollers, and second roller 56 acts as a follower roller to operate the tread belt 62 at the pace of the user walking or running on first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30. The empty space formed between first walking surface 28 and tread belt 62 allows the flywheel 68 to operate without any interference. Further, the rotating axle 84 ensures timing belt 80 is constrained underneath the flywheel 68.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of exercise apparatus 12 in an extended configuration. In one example, each of first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 has a length of approximately two (2) feet such that exercise apparatus 12 has a total length of walking surface (deck) of approximately 4 feet. Second rails 26 and first rails 24 provides an inclination angle of about 8 to 15 degrees. However, a person skilled in the appreciates that rails 22 may have any other inclination angle with respect to the ground. Selection of a suitable angle of inclination for rails 22 ensure comfortable stride length similar to existing treadmills. In the current embodiment, sliding support members 50 connect second legs 46 to first rails 24. Here, sliding support members 50 lock the second legs 46 in the vertical position as shown in FIG. 11. In one implementation, second roller 56 encompasses a threaded hole (not shown) at its sides. The threaded hole receives two long bolts (not shown) that connect to second connecting rod 58. User 14 tightens two long bolts to tension the tread belt 62 in the extended configuration. Tightening the bolts results in translational motion of second connecting rod 58 with respect to tread belt 62. Further, user 14 operates bolts to tighten and loosen the tread belt 62.

When user 14 walks or runs on tread belt 62 that is in motion over first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 with the help of first rollers 52 and second roller 56, the material of first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 causes too much friction. In addition, the material of first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 provides too much resistance depending on where the weight of user 14 is concentrated. The resistance causes motion of tread belt 62 to be sporadic and requires large amounts of effort from the user 14. Further, creating the motion of tread belt 62 becomes difficult as the flywheel 68 protrudes from first walking surface 28. Adding a layer of material (not shown) between the tread belt 62 and first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 overcomes the above problems. The layer of material having a lower coefficient of friction than first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 provides the desired result. The layer of the material allows to operate tread belt 62 even when the layer of material is thicker than the connection point or axle of flywheel 68. The layer of material reduces the resistance of tread belt 62 and provides smooth motion of tread belt 62 over first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30.

In the current embodiment, hinge plates 32 allow second rails 26 along with second walking surface 30 to fold under first rails 24 and first walking surface 28. FIG. 12 shows exercise apparatus 12 in a folded configuration. In order to fold, user 14 slides sliding support members 50 in the first rails 24 and folds second legs 44. Subsequently, user 14 folds second rails 26 underneath first rails 24. Here, second rails 26 folds while retaining connection with first rails 24 via hinge plates 32. Hinge plates 32 provide a robust and durable foldable mechanism due to its design. As specified above, the location of grooves 37; 40 are determined using the width of the rails 22 and width of the first legs 34. As a result, hinge plates 32 ensure that there would not be any interference when second walking surface 30 pivots about the grooves 37; 40 and fasteners 38; 40. Further, gap G between first walking surface 28 and second walking surface 30 ensures that the corners of walking surfaces do not hinder the folding of the second walking surface 30 under first walking surface 28. Hinge plates 32 ensure that second roller 56 does not come in contact with first rollers 52 in the folded configuration. Further, hinge plates 32 allow a durable folding mechanism that would not become dismantled to the applied forces during transport. Folded exercise apparatus 12 provides enough space for mounting flywheel 68 under the first walking surface 28. Single flywheel design allows to accommodate it underneath first walking surface 28 and allows the frame 16 to be narrower.

When folded, exercise apparatus 12 may have a thickness of approximately 5.5 inches. Selection of lightweight materials having suitable strength for frame 16, walking surfaces 28; 30, hinge plates 32, and legs 34; 46 help to reduce the overall weight of exercise apparatus 12. In one example, exercise apparatus 12 has a total weight of approximately 40 lbs. The addition of the layer of (smooth) material to walking surfaces 28; 30 provides a minimal effect on the overall weight and geometry of the exercise apparatus 12.

In one implementation, exercise apparatus 12 presents a handle (not shown) at the rails 22 or support section 60 or at any other component. User 14 carries exercise apparatus 12 holding the handle similar to a large suitcase. When not in use, the user folds exercise apparatus 12 and places against a wall or stores underneath a structure such as a table to save space.

The presently disclosed portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus operates in a variety of settings such as schools, workplaces, and public spaces, where people often sit in a stationary position for a long time. As the exercise apparatus does not require a motor to power the tread belt, the user may simply step on the tread belt and start walking or running to perform exercise (aerobic) activities. This helps the user to improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and provide other benefits to the human body. Since the flywheel encompasses underneath the first walking surface, it does not get exposed to the outer side. Further, flywheel operates without producing noise when compared to motor-powered treadmills thereby providing an additional advantage over known treadmills. The exercise apparatus fits inside small workspaces and allows for safe use around other people including children.

In one embodiment a gear mechanism may be used to operate the pulley. However, a user may approximately weigh 60-80 kilograms and to support his weight, as a result, there may be the need to use gears with suitable strength. This may increase the overall weight of the exercise apparatus. Please note the rails, walking surfaces, legs and rollers too will add to overall weight. A user may find it difficult to lift such an exercise apparatus and may need help from another individual for folding, storage and transport.

The user folds the exercise apparatus at the center to achieve portability through its low weight and its ability to decrease its overall length for ease of storage and transportation. As specified above, the exercise apparatus reduces or decreases its profile or length by upon folding. The exercise apparatus presents a lightweight and compact configuration and allows for transportation by an individual.

A person skilled in the art appreciates that the exercise apparatus may come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the disclosed invention. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus.

In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosed invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless a routine under taking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame comprising a pair of first rails and a pair of second rails; a first walking surface and a second walking surface connecting said pair of first rails and said pair of second rails, respectively; and hinge plates connecting said pair of first rails and said pair of second rails, and said hinge plates comprising first legs; second legs connecting said pair of first rails, said second legs configured for supporting said pair of first rails and placing said frame at an inclination angle, in conjunction with said first legs, with respect to a surface; first rollers and a second roller, said first rollers connecting said pair of first rails, and said second roller connecting said pair of second rails, wherein said first rollers and said second roller receive a tread belt over said first walking surface and said second walking surface, wherein a user walks or runs on the tread belt causing said first rollers and said second roller to rotate thereby manually powering said exercise apparatus, wherein said second legs fold, and wherein said hinge plates allow folding of said second rails along with said second walking surface underneath said first rails and said first walking surface without said first rollers coming into contact with said second roller.
 2. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first rollers connect to said first rails via a first connecting rod.
 3. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second roller connects to said second rails via a second connecting rod.
 4. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said portable, foldable and manually-powered exercise apparatus comprises a flywheel underneath the first walking surface, and wherein said flywheel connects said first rollers via a timing belt.
 5. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered apparatus of claim 4, wherein the timing belt translates vertical rotation of said first rollers into horizontal rotation of the flywheel, and wherein the translation of rotation of first rollers to the flywheel ensures continuous operation of the tread belt.
 6. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first rollers comprises a coupling member having teeth.
 7. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said portable and foldable exercise apparatus comprises a flywheel underneath the first walking surface, and wherein said flywheel connects the coupling member via a timing belt.
 8. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the timing belt translates the vertical rotation of said coupling member into horizontal rotation of the flywheel, and wherein the translation of rotation of first rollers to the flywheel ensures continuous operation of the tread belt.
 9. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said portable and foldable exercise apparatus comprises a flywheel underneath the first walking surface, said flywheel comprising a pulley, and wherein said pulley connects the coupling member via a timing belt.
 10. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the timing belt translates vertical rotation of said coupling member into horizontal rotation of the pulley, and wherein the pulley rotates the flywheel ensuring continuous operation of the tread belt.
 11. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first walking surface comprising a rotating axle underneath, said rotating axle ensures motion of the timing belt is constrained between said flywheel and said first walking surface.
 12. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second legs comprise a sliding support member, said sliding support member connects said first rails, slides along said first rails and allows for folding of said second legs.
 13. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said hinge plates provides a triangular configuration, and wherein two sides of said hinge plate connect said first rail and said second rail and other side connects said first leg.
 14. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises a support section and said support section rests on the surface and allows said second roller to the position off the surface.
 15. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tread belt comprises a layer of material having a low coefficient of friction, and wherein said layer reduces resistance causing friction and provides smooth motion of the tread belt over said first walking surface and said second walking surface.
 16. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inclination angle of the frame with respect to the surface is approximately 8 to 15 degrees.
 17. A portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame comprising a pair of first rails and a pair of second rails; a first walking surface and a second walking surface connecting said pair of first rails and said pair of second rails, respectively; hinge plates connecting said pair of first rails and said pair of second rails, and said hinge plates comprising first legs; second legs connecting said pair of first rails said second legs configured for supporting pair of first rails and placing said frame at an inclination angle of approximately 8 to 15 degrees, in conjunction with said first legs, with respect to a surface; first rollers and a second roller, said first rollers connecting said pair of first rails, and said second roller connecting said pair of second rails, wherein said first rollers and said second roller receive a tread belt over said first walking surface and said second walking surface; and a flywheel connecting underneath said first walking surface, said flywheel connecting said first rollers via a timing belt, wherein a user walks or runs on the tread belt causing the first rollers and second roller to rotate, wherein the timing belt translates vertical rotation of said first rollers into horizontal rotation of the flywheel, and wherein the translation of rotation of first rollers to the flywheel ensures continuous operation of the tread belt thereby manually powering said exercise apparatus, wherein said second legs fold, and wherein said hinge plates allow folding of said second rails along with said second walking surface underneath said first rails and said first walking surface without said first rollers coming into contact with said second roller.
 18. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of said hinge plates provides a triangular configuration, and wherein two sides of said hinge plate connect said first rail and said second rail and other side connects said first leg.
 19. The portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein said first walking surface comprises a rotating axle, said rotating axle ensures motion of the timing belt is constrained between said flywheel and said first walking surface.
 20. A method of providing a portable, foldable, and manually-powered exercise apparatus, said method comprising steps of: providing a frame having a pair of first rails and a pair of second rails; providing a first walking surface and a second walking surface connecting said pair of first rails and said pair of second rails, respectively; providing hinge plates connecting said pair of first rails and said pair of second rails, and said hinge plates comprising first legs; providing second legs connecting said pair of first rails, said second legs configured for supporting pair of first rails and placing said frame at an inclination angle in conjunction with said first legs with respect to a surface; providing first rollers connecting said pair of first rails, and a second roller connecting said pair of second rails, said first rollers and said second roller configured for receiving a tread belt over said first walking surface and said second walking surface; rotating said first rollers and said second roller via the exercise when a user walks or runs on the tread belt; folding said second legs; and folding said second rails along with said second walking surface underneath said first rails and said first walking surface via said hinge plates without said first rollers coming into contact with said second roller. 